Why Australia will face crippling crime boom

Australia: A recent study has some pretty alarming news. It suggests that climate change could lead to an extra 1.64 million crimes by the end of the century. That’s a lot, right?

Researchers looked at weather data and crime rates over 18 years. They found that as extreme heat events increase, so do crime rates. In fact, they estimate around 72,000 more crimes each year due to rising temperatures.

Professor Sefa Awaworyi Churchill, who led the study, said these findings are concerning. He pointed out that climate change doesn’t just affect the environment; it also impacts society and individual behavior.

As temperatures rise, the number of days over 30 degrees increases, which is linked to higher crime rates. This aligns with other research showing that hotter weather can lead to more violent behavior.

There’s even a term for it in criminology called the “heat hypothesis.” Basically, it suggests that hot weather can trigger aggressive behavior, leading to more crime.

In fact, a study from 2022 found a clear link between rising temperatures and homicide rates across 171 countries. So, it’s not just an Australian issue.

With hotter days becoming more common, the researchers estimate that Australia will need about 8,000 more police officers each year to handle the crime surge.

Professor Churchill also mentioned that increased crime comes with hefty economic costs. This includes everything from law enforcement to lost productivity.

Lower-income communities might feel the brunt of this rise in crime, as they often can’t escape the heat or its effects as easily.

While more funding and policing could help, he cautioned against over-policing, which could criminalize poverty in these neighborhoods.

Looking ahead, there’s an 80% chance that Australia will experience above-average temperatures in the upcoming summer. This trend is expected to continue, making the situation even more dire.

Professor Churchill emphasized that the impacts of climate change are long-term and cumulative. Without action, things could get worse as the century goes on.

Australia is currently facing one of its hottest summers on record, with bushfires raging across the country. This is just a taste of what’s to come if we don’t take action.

While the outlook is grim, it’s not too late to make changes. Professor Churchill believes there’s still time to plan and act to mitigate these impacts, including crime.

The federal Labor government aims to cut climate pollution by 43% from 2005 levels by 2030. However, the Coalition government plans to scrap this target if they win the upcoming election.

Climate organizations argue that both parties need to do more to tackle global warming and its disastrous effects.

Despite criticism for approving new coal mine projects, Australia has made progress in renewable energy, with 40% of its electricity now coming from solar, wind, and hydro sources.